July
3, 2003
ABIDE
IN ME
"If
you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what
you desire, and it shall be done for you" (John 15:7,
NKJV).
All blessings
flow from this relationship with Jesus. It is a law of the
mind that by beholding, we become changed. We become like
that which we dwell upon. "As he thinks in his heart,
so is he" (Proverbs 23:7). What we dwell upon we become.
We become experts at what we focus on. This is how students
of medicine become doctors, students of the law become lawyers,
students of science become scientists and students of accounting
become accountants. This is also how students of Jesus Christ
become Christians. We are transformed by what we focus on
and study. Paul tells us, "Be transformed by the renewing
of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable
and perfect will of God" (Romans 12:2).
As the
source of all knowledge and truth, Jesus has the ability to
lead us in ways that fulfill us beyond all comprehension.
This fulfillment, however, can only truly come as we put our
complete faith and trust in Jesus, learn how to abide in Him
and allow His words to abide in us. "If
you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what
you desire, and it shall be done for you" (John
15:7). What a promise and what fulfillment.
The focus
is on what we think about. God has provided through the scriptures,
through nature and by His Holy Spirit a wealth of knowledge
about Himself and about us, where we came from, why we are
here, and where we're going. Where we're going depends on
the choices that we make in life. Paul gives us excellent
advise on the choices to make as we make our way. "Rejoice
in the Lord always... Be anxious for nothing, but in everything
by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests
be made know to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses
all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through
Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatever things are true,
whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever
things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things
are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is
anything praiseworthy--meditate on these things" (Philippians
4:4, 6-8).
In society
today, we are faced by evil acts of terrorists and of those
who totally ignore the appeals and warnings of God. They do
not realize that He is ultimately in control and a day of
retribution is coming for evil doers. However, His love for
His earthbound children is constant and His message to us
is "I am with you always, even
to the end of the world" (Matt. 28:20).
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